Members of the Halifax Regional Police-RCMP Internet child exploitation unit searched Wade’s apartment on Windmill Road on the morning of Sept. 27, 2011.

Wade was not home at the time but his roommates were. An examination of his computer revealed 3,600 digital images and 20 videos of child pornography.

Police went to a Highfield Park gas station and arrested Wade, who was working the back shift.

The 29-year-old man pleaded guilty two months ago to possession of child pornography.

The judge adopted a joint recommendation by prosecutor Peter Dostal and defence lawyer Alfie Seaman and sentenced Wade to six months at the Dartmouth jail, followed by two years’ probation.

About 95 per cent of the illegal images on Wade’s computer were animated depictions of sexual activity involving children.

Wade’s collection also included “many, many images of real children who have been exploited,” the judge said.

“These children have sacrificed their innocence for individuals like Mr. Wade … so you can basically get your jollies.”

Wade had no previous criminal record and was described in a presentence report as quiet and introverted and a daily user of marijuana.

Seaman said his client’s family and friends were shocked to hear about the child pornography charges.

“This is something that has drastically affected his life,” he said.

“He’s very remorseful for what he did. Obviously, he has an issue and needs some help. He’s going to be getting that, one way or the other, over the next several years.”

While he’s on probation, Wade must take part in any counselling or treatment programs deemed necessary by his supervisor, including a sexual offender assessment. He won’t be allowed to have contact with children under the age of 16, have any devices capable of accessing the Internet or consume drugs.

Murphy also ordered him to register as a sex offender for 10 years and provide a DNA sample for a national databank.

The judge said Wade’s time behind bars at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility is not going to be easy.

“Hopefully, you will be deterred by this,” Murphy said. “I hope there are individuals who hear of your sentence and they’re deterred by it, but I don’t know what type of hope I have of that. There is an urge that is very strong in regards to persons like you to engage in this type of activity.”